The Sky Blues sloppy defending and inability to handle Wellington's direct approach proved costly in their shock 3-1 home loss to the Phoenix at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.

Phoenix had effectively wrapped the game at halftime, leading 3-0 by the break, with the match finishing 3-1 thanks to a late consolation goal from Michael Zullo.

Corica has fielded the same starting side for Sydney's last seven league and FFA Cup games, but after Saturday's match he committed to making changes for the ANZ Stadium clash with Western Sydney.

The only change Corica has made to his side this season was for the round two derby with the Wanderers, when he brought in Paulo Retre for Siem de Jong, who he wanted to rest before the FFA Cup final a few days later.

Ironically, de Jong injured a hamstring in a brief appearance off the bench and Retre has retained his run on spot ever since, with the Dutchman missing four games.

However, that could change next week, after Corica substituted Retre with de Jong at halftime on Saturday.